Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons^™

A Jewel In The Crown Is Better Than Money In The Pocket": Historical Data On The Role Of Midwives In Caring For Families In Southern Appalachia, Kristen Montgomery

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Background: Midwives have provided care to women since the beginning of time. Early midwives had little training but learned their craft from experienced women. Later, formal training became available. Midwives have a rich history in Appalachia.

Purpose: to explore the rich history of all types of midwives in Appalachia.

Methods: Materials from the Archives of Appalachia were reviewed. Both written and oral materials were evaluated. This included a review of the document, identification of themes, and then comparing those themes with previously identified themes. Documents were reviewed in a random order by two researchers who met to discuss results.

Results: …

Quality Of Perinatal Care: Experiences Of Clients And Providers In Three District Hospitals Of Western Uganda– A Mixed Methods Study, Mercy Muwema, Joaniter Nankabirwa, Dan K. Kaye, Gorrette Nalwadda, Joanita Nangendo, Gloria Odei Obeng-Amoako, Jean Claude Nkurunziza, Wilson Mwanja, Elizabeth N. Ekong, Joan N. Kalyango, Grace Edwards, Emmanuel Otieno, Robert Basaza

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: It is anticipated that closing the quality gap through provision of effective antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care for mothers and newborns in facilities will reduce morbidity and mortality. Mothers’ and health care providers’ experiences play a vital role in achieving quality care during the perinatal periods.

Purpose: To assess the health care providers’ (HCPs) and clients’ experiences on quality of perinatal care at three district hospitals in Bunyoro region, Western Uganda.

Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods study design was utilized to explore experiences of 1) mothers as they sought antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care; and 2) …

Scoping Review Of Algorithms For Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Katherine Sabatier, Kate Fouquier Cnm, Phd, Facnm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

The purpose of this scoping review is to review the use of an algorithm in evaluating continuous external fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring in labor as opposed to clinician judgment for improved fetal outcomes, including earlier recognition of abnormal tracings (Clark et al., 2017). FHR monitoring was created to evaluate for fetal hypoxia in labor and has become standard practice (Gyllencreutz et al., 2018). One of the goals of the use of cardiotocography is to decrease hypoxia-induced fetal metabolic acidemia and neurologic injury. There are multiple options for individual or computer-based algorithms in evaluating FHR to reduce fetal acidemia …

Perinatal Mood And Anxiety Disorders (Pmads): A Scoping Review, Christina Willis Bsn, Rn, Nia Wells Bsn, Rn, Miranda Smith Bsn, Rn, Kate Fouquier Cnm, Phd, Facnm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, significantly impact maternal and infant health. This scoping review consolidates current literature on PMADs, emphasizing prevalence, risk factors, screening, and treatment. The primary aim is to identify research gaps and inform clinical guidelines to enhance perinatal care.

Methods A literature search followed PRISMA guidelines from August 2022 to November 2024. Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using terms such as "perinatal mood disorders" and "maternal mental health." Inclusion criteria were English-language studies from the past decade addressing PMADs during pregnancy and up to one …

Implementation Of The Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (Meows) In Obstetric Patients Within A Level Iv Maternal Care Facility, Mei M. Stalder

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Incidences of increasing maternal morbidity and mortality are often preceded by a period of unrecognized deterioration. The lack of an obstetric early warning system in a high-risk Level IV Maternal Care Facility further contributed to delayed identification and intervention of deteriorating mothers.

PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this DNP project was, in obstetric patients, 18-years or older (P), does the Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS) (I), compared to current standard practice (C), affect the number of patients transferred to the ICU (O) within a six-week time frame (T)?

Evidence: Nine evidence-based articles were included in this …

Birth Planning, Audrey K. Gill, Kacie J. Easley

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

This is an informative presentation completed using evidence based practice regarding the importance of birth planning and the use of birth plans. It is used as a tool to educate nurses and healthcare providers about the benefits of implementing birth plan education into their patients portfolio. The birth plan is a written document that involves the collaborative efforts between nurses/healthcare providers and future mothers. It is used in order to personalize and improve the birthing experience for patients. This presentation uses qualitative research, quantitative research, and theoretical framework in order to deem positive results with the implementation of birth plans.

The Ethical Justification Of Application Of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception In Patients With Intellectual Disabilities, Kelly Savitri

Journal of Health Ethics

This paper explores the ethical justification for the use of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) in patients with intellectual disabilities, particularly in scenarios where patients cannot provide informed consent. The tension between respecting autonomy and ensuring beneficence presents a complex challenge for healthcare providers. Drawing on historical context, current reproductive justice issues, and evolving societal attitudes towards individuals with intellectual disabilities, this essay argues for a semi-discrete model that recognizes the need to prioritize patient health and safety while valuing their autonomy. By examining the implications of both past and present practices, this study highlights the necessity for healthcare providers to …

The Impact Of Having A Native Spanish-Speaking Nurse In Labor And Delivery For Latina Mothers, Lesvia Muñoz Mazariegos

Nursing | Senior Theses

Labor and Delivery is the physiological process in which a pregnant woman gives birth to a baby. With an increase of the Hispanic/Latinx population, the need for Spanish-speaking nurses also increases. Specifically in labor and delivery, language barriers play a critical role for a Latina mother’s laboring experience. However, according to the research, there is limited data on the effects of language concordance/discordance for laboring Latina mothers. To investigate, primary research articles were reviewed focusing on patient experiences with language concordance and discordance, childbirth experiences across different races, and nurses' perceptions of patient experiences related to language barriers. This proposed …

Educating Nurses On Culturally Competent Intimate Partner Violence Care, Nicole Lee

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

The purpose of this research proposal is to examine the impact of mandatory training for labor and delivery nurses on culturally sensitive care for pregnant women who have experienced intimate partner violence. It aims to address gaps in provider training by evaluating improvement in screening rates, enhanced confidence, and effective interventions.

Methods

This study will recruit nurses from different labor and delivery units from different hospitals. This study will use a pre-test and post-test design to assess the effectiveness of the training. The evaluation will measure the changes in knowledge, confidence, and screening practices before and after training.

Results …

The Critical Role Of External Involvement In Supporting Adolescent Mothers Facing Postpartum Depression, Samantha Campopiano

Nursing | Senior Theses

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health concern for adolescent mothers, especially those without a reliable support system. The current research demonstrates the importance of a support system, effective interventions, and prevention strategies for easier navigation of postpartum depression. Some effective interventions researched were therapy groups, personalized home visits, and using social media platforms to deliver therapy. This research proposal aims to examine the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational intervention for postpartum adolescent mothers without support. A quasi-experimental design will be used, with pre-and post-test assessments using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to measure PPD symptoms in 100 …

Improving Perinatal Outcomes With The Mood Disorder Questionnaire: A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Identification And Referral, Elizabeth R. Bargardo

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Perinatal mental health is a growing concern, with under identification and lack of access to mental health as contributing factors. Screening tools such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire are one way to increase identification of patients at risk for bipolar-spectrum disorders and subsequent postpartum psychosis and initiate referrals to appropriate mental health services.

Local Problem: One outpatient women’s health center has a 94% screening rate for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) for anxiety and depression but has not implemented a screening for bipolar disorder. In addition, while approximately one in five perinatal patients struggles with a mental …

Educating Nurses On Culturally Competent Intimate Partner Violence Care, Nicole Lee

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

To Be Soft Again: A Phenomenological Study Of Uncertainty And Resilience In Childbearing During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Marcianna Nosek

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

Background:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty was exacerbated in experiences of pregnancy and childbirth as people navigated through uncharted territory. Building resilience may be one effective way to cope. However, for those who carry a heavier burden in upholding others, a societal expectation of “toughness” and the ability to endure may lead to an appearance of resilience, while on the inside, well-being may be compromised.

Objectives:

This study is part of a larger phenomenological study that explored the broad research question: What is the lived experience of childbearing during the COVID-19 pandemic? Specific themes of uncertainty and resilience are reported …

Quality Over Quantity: Doula Perspectives On Equity, Access, And Quality Of Care In Black Maternal Health Outcomes, Terry-Ann E. Lynch

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

Black maternal mortality in the United States is a public health crisis. There are a plethora of reasons as to why maternal and fetal deaths disproportionately impact Black women. From a public health perspective, health disparities are an area of concern in marginalized communities, with Black maternal mortality being a risk factor. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black (subsequently, Black) women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the rate for non-Hispanic White (subsequently, White) women (26.6)” Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2021” …

Journey To Baby-Friendly Designation: Standardizing Infant Feeding Education, Jasmine Geronimo Ibay

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem The influence of formula companies in hospitals has caused a decrease in national breastfeeding rates, increasing risks of adverse health outcomes among infants. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in 1991 to support breastfeeding practices for infant development and eliminate commercial interests of formula companies from hospitals. Context The quality improvement (QI) project was conducted at Hospital A’s Birth Center, serving a diverse population of patients in the greater East Bay of Northern California. The microsystem has 24 labor beds, 13 antepartum beds, and 33 …

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative: Becoming Baby-Friendly Designated, Krystal Angelique Mora

Master's Projects and Capstones

Section I: Abstract

Problem Despite efforts to increase breastfeeding rates, the influence of formula companies has contributed to the decrease in rates, affecting the health outcomes of infants. In response, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) introduced standardized education for nursing staff to support infant growth and development. Context Hospital A Birth Center is a 33-bed culturally diverse unit that provides care to mothers in Northern California, delivering approximately 7,400 babies each year and helping patients transition into motherhood. Aim The quality improvement project aims to enhance the retention of BFHI-aligned education provided during hospitalization by 26.2%, raising retention rates among …

Benefits To Swaddle Bathing, Brenna Dotson, Kori Redden, Cassidy Payne

Scholars Week

Swaddle bathing is a technique that entails bathing an infant while they are comforted in a swaddle. This technique is rarely seen in everyday hospital practice, even though there is ample evidence of its benefits and advantages. Our project aimed to combine research proving the effectiveness of swaddle bathing through scoring methods that consider pain, vital signs, temperature, crying duration, and more. The research is combined to support the impact that swaddle bathing can have on not only infants but parents as well. Parents implementing the swaddle bath enjoy improved confidence and attachment, along with decreased stress. The evidence was …

Vaccine Decision-Making Among Pregnant Women: A Protocol For A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Method Study In Brazil, Ghana, Kenya And Pakistan, Jessica Schue, Prachi Singh, Berhaun Fesshaye, Emily Miller, Shanelle Quinn, Ruth Karron, Renato Souza, Maria Laura Costa, Ferdinand Okwaro, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Maternal immunization is a critical strategy to prevent both maternal and infant morbidity and mortality from several infectious diseases. When the first COVID-19 vaccines became available during the pandemic, there was mixed messaging and confusion amongst the broader public and among those associated with health care systems about the recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations in pregnancy in many countries. A multi-country, mixed-methods study is being undertaken to describe how vaccine decision-making occurs amongst pregnant and postpartum women, with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines. The study is being conducted in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Pakistan. In each country, participants are being recruited …

Implementation Of Skin-To-Skin Contact Immediately Post Cesarean Birth: A Quality Improvement Project, Sophia Cooke

Dissertations

Problem: Skin-to-skin contact implemented within the first hour of a newborn’s life improves health outcomes for both mother and infant. One of these health outcomes includes exclusive breastfeeding. The purpose of this quality improve project was to implement an infant securement device within the operating room after cesarean section births to decrease the time to initiate skin-to-skin contact and increase exclusive breastmilk feeding rates at discharge.

Methods: This study utilized a descriptive, observational design and was guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework. A pre-test, post-test design was utilized to compared retrospective and prospective data. The retrospective data was collected to assess …

Evaluation Of Breastfeeding Interventions To Improve Duration In Women At Risk For Breastfeeding Attrition, Anthonia Anukam

The Corinthian

Children that are optimally breastfed have the healthiest start in life. The World Health Organization and the CDC recommend that mothers optimally breastfeed. Benefits of breastfeeding to children include the receipt of antibodies, reduction of ear, respiratory, and gastrointestinal infections, decreased sudden infant death syndrome, allergies, diabetes, and childhood leukemia. Several research studies have reported a strong positive correlation between breastfeeding and reduced infant morbidity and mortality. Evidence illustrates that the health benefits from breastfeeding are dose-dependent, thus the longer the breastfeeding duration the greater the acquisition of the enumerated benefits. However, premature cessation of breastfeeding less than the WHO …

Telehealth: A Rising Intervention For Latina Mothers Experiencing Prenatal And Postpartum Depression, Britney Gutierrez

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Abstract: Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is high among Latina women but often goes unrecognized and untreated. Recognition and management of PPD in this population is crucial as PPD contributes to negative health effects on the mother and infant. Purpose: This research aims to look into telehealth to improve screening methods and treatment for Latina mothers through a Spanish mobile health application that will provide screening and education on PPD. Method: This mixed-method quality improvement study will include 300 participants from an OB-GYN and Pediatrics community clinic, > 18 years old, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, Spanish speaking, currently pregnant, or had a child …

Ensnared Care: How Restrictive Healthcare Laws Impact Mothers, Mckenzie Richards

School of Public Policy Capstones

Do restrictive healthcare policies impact whether expectant mothers receive adequate prenatal care? Could such policies also affect access to alternative birthing options for delivery? Through a literature review and a two-way fixed effects model using panel data, this study investigates two categories of state-level restrictive healthcare policies: scope of practice laws and certificate of need laws. The literature demonstrates the detriments of scope of practice care on access to care and maternal health. However, the statistical models presented on scope of practice find no relationship between scope of practice laws and adequate prenatal care or alternative birthing options. Though the …

Maternal Morbidity In Appalachian States: Rural Disparities And Social Determinants, Kathryn Usedom Msn, Fnp-C, Cnm, Pi-Ming Yeh Phd

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Social determinants of health (SDoH) and rurality have both been shown to contribute to severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Appalachian communities often embody this compounded risk, but regional SMM is under-explored. This study’s purpose is to explore SMM in rural areas of Appalachian states.

Aims: There are two specific aims. 1) Describe the prevalence of rural SMM in Appalachian states. 2) Investigate the relationship between SMM and SDoH, specifically income, education, and care access.

Methods: An IRB exempt, descriptive correlational study was conducted. Birth data (2018-2022) were extracted from the CDC WONDER database for 12 Appalachian states. Demographic, income, and …

Implementation And Evaluation Of Iron Deficiency Anemia Content In Prenatal Education Classes, Jasmine N. Walker Bsn, Erin M. Morris Bsn, Carrie Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Mary K. Fouquier Phd, Aprn, Cnm, Facnm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

The purpose of this quality improvement project is to provide and increase educational awareness and knowledge regarding iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant patients at an urban primary care clinic in Memphis, TN. This project is intended to decrease the number of individuals with IDA in pregnancy while decreasing the occurrence of IDA-related complications in pregnancy. The study aimed to introduce a cost-effective approach to help decrease or eradicate complications related to IDA during pregnancy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the prevalence of anemia-complicating pregnancies to be more than 40 percent. Pregnant women with IDA residing in low …

Nursing Care Regarding Social Determinants Of Health For Breastfeeding In Mothers And Infants, Natalie Jefson

Senior Honors Theses

Breastfeeding is incredibly important to the health and well-being of the mother-infant dyad. Because of this, there are both world-wide and national recommendations and guidelines for breastfeeding in the United States. Although many women choose to initiate breastfeeding, the percentage of women who continue breastfeeding for the recommended duration does not meet the Healthy People goal for the United States. Many factors influence this early breastfeeding cessation, including physical and socioeconomic barriers. Certain populations face increased barriers to reaching these goals related to social determinants of health which can and should be addressed by nurses through preventive measures and education.

A Study To Assess The Effect Of Back Massage On Amount Of Breast Milk Among Mothers Of Neonates Admitted In Nicu At A Selected Hospital, Calicut., Aswathi A, Soya K

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Abstract

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural act and intimate human interaction. Separation of mother and baby after birth creates an interruption in maintaining lactation. The main objective of this study was to identify the effect of back massage on amount of breast milk among mothers of neonates admitted in NICU. An experimental pretest-posttest control group design was adopted. The tools used were baseline proforma, calibrated breastmilk measuring cup and breast milk volume diary. Subjects were selected using consecutive sampling and allocated as 30 in each group. As first step baseline data were collected. Then the amount of expressed …

Epds-Us (English), Sara W. Moyer, Patricia Kinser

School of Nursing Publications

How we talk about perinatal mental health matters, even in the minute details of words on screening forms. Any shifts towards removing barriers to screening, reducing stigma, encouraging disclosures, raising awareness related to symptom prevalence and the breadth symptom related experiences, and creating opportunities for connecting with support and care are essential.

In the EPDS-US, we have adapted the wording of the original Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), using a respectful care and trauma-informed approach with a focus on optimizing patient experiences and clinical utility while maintaining reliability and validity of the 10 item scale. Many individuals report feelings of …

Ob-Pdcds Polish, Marianne E. Weiss, Malgorzata Nagorska

Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale

The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale, and Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale were developed by Dr. Marianne Weiss to measure nurse-sensitive discharge care processes and patient outcomes. Three versions of the scales were developed concurrently for different patient populations – Adult medical-surgical patients, Parents of hospitalized children, and Postpartum Patient mothers (see Weiss & Piacentine, 2006, Weiss et al., 2007, and Bobay et al., 2018 for description of the development and initial testing). Additional scales and information about translation rights are located at Marquette Nursing.

PERMISSION TO USE

The Readiness for Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge …

Ped-Pdcds Norwegian, Marianne E. Weiss, Nina Ellefsen Lindberg

Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale

The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale, and Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale were developed by Dr. Marianne Weiss to measure nurse-sensitive discharge care processes and patient outcomes. Three versions of the scales were developed concurrently for different patient populations – Adult medical-surgical patients, Parents of hospitalized children, and Postpartum Patient mothers (see Weiss & Piacentine, 2006, Weiss et al., 2007, and Bobay et al., 2018 for description of the development and initial testing). Additional scales and information about translation rights are located at Marquette Nursing.

PERMISSION TO USE

The Readiness for Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge …

Pdcds-Adult Korean, Marianne E. Weiss, Kim Jeoung Hee

Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale

The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale, and Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale were developed by Dr. Marianne Weiss to measure nurse-sensitive discharge care processes and patient outcomes. Three versions of the scales were developed concurrently for different patient populations – Adult medical-surgical patients, Parents of hospitalized children, and Postpartum Patient mothers (see Weiss & Piacentine, 2006, Weiss et al., 2007, and Bobay et al., 2018 for description of the development and initial testing). Additional scales and information about translation rights are located at Marquette Nursing.

PERMISSION TO USE

The Readiness for Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge …